What Would the Phillies Have To Trade To Land Kyle Tucker?

Managing Editor

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Aug 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports Rich Storry

Surely, all Phillies fans are giddy at the idea of trading for star outfielder Kyle Tucker, with Joel Sherman of The New York Post reporting that Dave Dombrowski's club is "among the teams that at least inquired and tried to find a package that would work with the Houston Astros."

There will probably be a bit less unanimity when it becomes more clear what it would take to acquire Tucker.

From @TimKellySports: Phillies Have 'Inquired' On Star Outfielder Kyle Tuckerhttps://t.co/ViFP8LuJ9B
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) December 11, 2024

A year ago, the San Diego Padres traded Juan Soto — along with Trent Grisham — to the Yankees before his contract year. In return, they netted RHP Michael King, RHP Drew Thorpe, RHP Randy Vásquez, reliever Jhony Brito and catcher Kyle Higashioka.

Given that Soto hit 41 home runs and posted an 8.1 WAR in 2024, the Yankees — who reached the World Series for the first time since 2009 — certainly don't regret the trade.

With that said, Soto left in free agency after one season to join the crosstown-rival Mets, while the Padres will still reap some of the benefits of the trade moving forward.

King had a breakout season for San Diego in 2024, going 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA across 173 2/3 innings pitched. He's got one more year of arbitration eligibility. Thorpe made his MLB Debut in 2024, but did it for the Chicago White Sox after being flipped in the trade that brought Dylan Cease back to the Padres. Cease, who also still has one year remaining before free agency, finished fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2024.

Tucker isn't Soto. But he's pretty damn good. It remains to be seen whether the Astros would actually pull the trigger on a deal, but general manager Dana Brown did at least crack the door open earlier this week. Tucker is entering a contract year. He's a three-time All-Star, who will turn 28 in January. Regardless of where he plays in 2025, he's almost certainly going to test the open market next offseason. So if you're hoping for the Phillies to trade for Tucker and sign him to an extension, that's probably not realistic. If it was, the price would be even more exorbitant to trade for him.

Teams that are interested in Kyle Tucker, according to @joelsherman1:

Giants
Phillies
Cubs
Yankees

“The Astros are prioritizing major league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching if they move Tucker.”pic.twitter.com/tqV02rI8i2
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 11, 2024

Don't worry, even if the Phillies probably wouldn't have to give up Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller given how close Tucker is to free agency, the price it would take will still make plenty uncomfortable.

Sherman writes that "the Astros are prioritizing major league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching if they move Tucker." He says that reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil — who is under team control through the 2028 season — is someone Houston has interest in from the Yankees. Whether New York would part with Gil or not, that gives you an idea of how high the Astros are aiming.

Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic are reporting that the Astros are interested in outfielder Seiya Suzuki and third baseman Isaac Paredes as part of the return package if the Cubs were to acquire Tucker. Such a package would be a disastrous outcome for the Phillies, because not only would Tucker be off the board, so would Suzuki, who also seems to be an excellent target to fill their outfield void.

Frankly, the Phillies may have a tough time competing with Suzuki, Paredes and prospects if the Cubs do indeed put that on the table (although Rosenthal and Rome write that Suzuki is "highly unlikely" to be traded). But here's what the forefront of a return could look like if the Phillies tried to put their best offer forward for Tucker:

- LHP Cristopher Sánchez: He would obviously hurt to give up. Sánchez had a breakout 2024 season, posting a 3.32 ERA over 181 2/3 innings pitched and making the NL All-Star team. What increases the soon-to-be 28-year-old's trade value beyond that is he just signed a four-year/$22.5 million extension, which features a $14 million club option for 2029 and a $15 million club option for 2030. Even if Sánchez just proves to be a No. 3 starter, that's an extremely team-friendly contract.

- 3B Alec Bohm: He wouldn't be the headliner here, but the Astros will have needs at both corner infield positions if Alex Bregman departs in free agency. With two more years before free agency, Bohm would be a cost-effective option that could help keep the Astros in contention the next couple seasons.

- CF Justin Crawford: The Phillies' first-round pick in 2022, Crawford finished this past year at Double-A Reading. Between High-A and Double-A, Crawford hit .313 with 61 RBIs, 42 stolen bases and an .805 OPS. He is a bit of a polarizing prospect since he hits the ball on the ground more than you'd like, but Crawford plays a premium position in center field. He would be a good get as part of this deal.

Some will wonder whether the Phillies could include Ranger Suárez — who is entering his contract year — instead of Sánchez. But if the Astros are willing to consider trading Tucker and Framber Valdez before their contract years, in addition to maybe losing Bregman in free agency, why would they want a pitcher who can become a free agent next winter?

Look, this is a tough call. Tucker is one of the game's elite players. But you may only get one season from him, as opposed to Sánchez — let alone Bohm and Crawford — who projects to be a long-term cog at a cheap price. But to get a great player, you have to give. Sánchez, Bohm and Crawford would at least put you in the discussion.